Interview: Beastly 2022 Texas LB Nic Caraway is an Intimidating Presence in the Box
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Some seeking thrills go to the movies to for a representation of scary real-life scenarios, but those individuals have the comfort of knowing the horror they are witnessing is pretend. Running backs and quarterbacks lining up against Bryan High School do not have that luxury with Class of 2022 linebacker Nic Caraway in the box.
He can fill the middle against the run or come off the edge against pass-heavy teams, either way Caraway is an intimidating presence on the field. At 6-4, 240-pounds, he hits like a Mack truck and runs like a muscle car. In stats through just nine games during the 2020 season, Caraway ended 132 plays, 78 solo, with 26 tackles for a loss, five sacks, and four forced fumbles leading to first team All-District honors against 6A squads. The Vikings coaching staff was not through utilizing his giftings putting him in the backfield for the tough short-yardage runs collecting 43 yards on 12 carries.
Offers have been dropped by Marshall and Texas-San Antonio, but the rest of the college football recruiting world is about to catch up.
In an RNG exclusive interview, Caraway stopped by the Lab to talk about his play on the field and expanding recruiting options.
Interview
Nic, I would love to have a helmet cam on you seeing the look in the eyes of opposing 6A offenses that have to line up against you. Given that you have great size and speed, and you bring the pain on contact, do opposing players trash talk to you or are they acting like “we all cool”?
(Laughs) It depends on the team. The bad teams, they are cool and nice. Teams like Cedar Hill, they all trash talk. It all depends on the team.
When they talk, does that fire you up?
Yes, of course. I talk a little bit myself.
What scheme were the Vikings running on defense in 2020?
We ran a 4-3 and some 4-2-5.
You were playing a lot in the middle and some on the outside; from game to game, how did your coaches switch up your job assignments and roles?
With our schemes, basically, I am a pretty big dude and I can move. Teams that like to pass, I was on the edge rushing. That helped us a lot during the season.
Given the versatility that you showed during your junior run, how did your overall game improve on defense?
My decision making, my tackling, and my poise all improved. Controlling my emotions changed. I was able to miss a tackle, but then make a play on the next play. My footwork, my hands, and my swim move all improved. I did have one PBU when I was covering a slot. Other improvements, reading my keys and learning to stay coachable.
Is there a trait to your game that may get overlooked because it does not show up in the stat column?
My presence in the game, my dominance. I am blowing up guard, hitting the quarterback, and getting my hands on the receiver. My whole dominance in the game may get overlooked.
If we were to sit down and watch your best game from the 2020 campaign, which one are you putting on for us?
Shoemaker.
Why did you pick that one?
I had three sacks and 20 plus tackles, but we did not come out with the win (42-30). Oddly, it was one of our best games of the season. As a team we had a good overall game.
You also got some snaps in on offense getting those tough carries out of the backfield. What all were you doing on that side of the ball to help your team win games?
I started off playing tight end but did not after the Shoemaker game. After that game, my coach asked what I would do for the team to help win games. I told him I will do anything. The next week I was playing running back. I busted a 60- and 17-yarder. The 60-yarder was called back because Hunter was holding.
Looking ahead to the 2021 season, what roles might you take on?
I think I will be everywhere; defensive end, tight end, running back, inside and outside linebacker. I will be everywhere playing multiple spots on the field. Each year I am trying to get better and work on being more composed, not letting my emotions get into the game. I am working on being more in the game mentally.
To prepare for all that you will be doing, what have you been doing in the weight room already?
I have been doing a lot of auxiliary workouts and bench. I work out with my DB coach. Lately, I have been doing a lot of arms and abs plus the basic all over body workouts.
What are you doing to add more speed to your skills?
Hills – a lot, a lot of hills. I have been doing footwork drills uphill, weighted, and sprints too.
What have you been working on defensively?
My footwork. When I breakdown, I can be better with my tackling. I have been working on footwork for about six months now.
Are there any camps coming up you may attend?
I have been to an FBU camp and I was invited to a national combine. Last year I was invited to a Bullet camp. I hope to make some All-American camps and attend some college camps like (Texas) A&M and Oklahoma.
Let’s talk recruiting. Which programs are showing interest?
Tulane has shown me a lot, SFA (Stephen F. Austin), NIU, USC, University of Houston, Sam Houston, and HBU (Houston Baptist).
How many offers do you have?
I have two; UTSA and Marshall.
Of the two, which was the first to offer you?
UTSA.
Getting that first offer, what was that moment like for you?
It was a dream come true. It showed that all the hard work I was putting in was being noticed.
When did you get that first offer?
About three weeks ago.
Are there any schools you’d like to visit when possible?
Yes, I like to visit Tulane, Houston, Texas, UTSA and Marshall.
Watch out for these guys this year.
Are you playing any other varsity sports this year?
Yes, I play varsity basketball
How is the season going?
We just made it to the playoffs.
What are you averaging?
About eight points, nine rebounds, and two steals a game.
Have you gotten a poster dunk on anyone this season?
Actually, I have. I dunked on one of my teammates in practice. I have only one in-game dunk this year.
Nic, I had fun learning more about you and your game today. Thanks for your time and good luck in the playoffs.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Caraway family; Nic Caraway